Correct! This one can be complicated. Basically, if the infestation was there when you moved in, or if a problem with the fabric of the property (like a hole in a wall) is causing pests to get into your home, then it’s the landlord’s job. Otherwise it’s the responsibility of the tenant to keep the place pest free.

Wrong! This one isn’t that simple. Basically, if the infestation was there when you moved in, or if a problem with the fabric of the property (like a hole in a wall) is causing pests to get into your home, then it’s the landlord’s job. Otherwise it’s the responsibility of the tenant to keep the place pest free.

Normally they have to get your permission, but any time they like in the last two months of the tenancy if they're looking for a new tenant.

Correct! However, you can always let them in with less than 24 hours’ notice (if you want to get that leak fixed, for example), but it’s your choice.

Wrong! No, they can’t just walk in on you whenever they choose. They actually have to give you 24 hours notice. However, you can always let them in with under 24 hours’ notice (if you want to get that leak fixed, for example), but it’s your choice.

They need to give you the proper notice and give you all the proper paperwork, including the court order.

They can't evict you without going to court.

You are obliged to leave at the end of your fixed period contract anyway.

Correct! There are a couple of legal routes for landlords to evict tenants, some of which involve going to court, but you should always be served with proper paperwork and given notice to leave. Landlords are not allowed to simply tell you to leave verbally or change the locks.

Wrong! There are a couple of legal routes for landlords to evict tenants, some of which involve going to court, but you should always be served with proper paperwork and given notice to leave. Landlords are not allowed to simply tell you to leave verbally or change the locks.

Indefinite. Your landlord can't rid of you without having a good reason.

Correct! It is six months, although England has some of the weakest renter rights in Europe. In much of the rest of Europe renters are allowed to stay in their home for longer periods. For example, in Ireland renters are allowed to stay in their home for a minimum of 4 years if they want and in Scotland they have just passed a law that will give private tenants the right to stay in their home for as long as they want.

Wrong! It’s six months. England has some of the weakest renter rights in Europe. In much of the rest of Europe renters are allowed to stay in their home for longer periods. For example, in Ireland renters are allowed to stay in their home for a minimum of 4 years if they want and in Scotland they have just passed a law that will give private tenants the right to stay in their home for as long as they want.

Correct! Remarkably, only tenants paying less than £52 a year are protected by legislation that requires their home to be fit for human habitation. Shelter is campaigning for the law to be changed so this applies to all tenants.

Wrong! Remarkably, only tenants paying less than £52 a year are protected by legislation that requires their home to be fit for human habitation. Shelter is campaigning for the law to be changed so this applies to all tenants.

Correct! Some landlords need to get a license to rent out their property, but it depends on the size of the property, how many people live there and the local rules. Check with your council to see if your landlord needs to be licensed.

Wrong! Some landlords need to get a license to rent out their property, but it depends on the size of the property, how many people live there and the local rules. Check with your council to see if your landlord needs to be licensed.